LeBron James will turn 42 in December. He started his NBA career when some in the league weren’t even born yet. However, with his career closer to the end than the beginning, the free agent is taking his time deciding where his next team will be. With seemingly no timetable or rush, James carefully examines his options, hoping to find the best fit for what he wants in a franchise.
At the same time, for players, the NBA is a business, one in which they represent their brands. With endorsement deals, partnerships, and investments seemingly flying in every direction, finding alternative sources of revenue becomes an important part of the process.
An entertainer with his own business roots as well makes a pitch to James that just one city would have everything, he would need from a business perspective.
Rick Ross Encourages LeBron James to Join Miami Heat for Business Reasons
James is more than a basketball player, an NBA legend. He is also a shrewd investor. According to Forbes, the free agent has a net worth of $1.4 billion. $581,375,548 of that came via his NBA contracts. That means the majority arrived through his business interests. Ross, a rapper and entrepreneur, believes that Miami is the place for James to land. He spoke to TMZ Sports regarding where he feels that Miami has the advantage and should be James’ only choice.
Rick Ross says LeBron IS coming to Miami and it’s about billionaire business
“The boss move is for LeBron to come to Miami where the most billionaires are at. Because of his brand. You got to feed the other 30 businesses that Bron has created.
This is about business, guys… I… pic.twitter.com/LquWe3ahSk
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) July 16, 2026
“Rick Ross says LeBron IS coming to Miami, and it’s about billionaire business.
“The boss move is for LeBron to come to Miami where the most billionaires are at. Because of his brand. You got to feed the other 30 businesses that Bron has created.”
“This is about business, guys… I want to see him make some of the biggest empires and put his logos on some of those new big buildings downtown in Miami. And do more business with the billionaires that’s down there”
Ross’ assertion that Miami boasts the most billionaires is incorrect. According to this 2024 USA Today article, Miami is home to 15 billionaires. In comparison, cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, and Dallas all claim more billionaires.
However, in his defense, Miami does possess certain business advantages that the others may not. Long regarded as the gateway to the Caribbean, Miami’s international footprint, warm weather, and festive atmosphere draw financiers from around the world.
Yet, with $1.4 billion, James appears to do well without the city. From a basketball viewpoint, joining the Heat would give Miami one of the most formidable frontcourts in the NBA. James would occupy the small forward spot.
Giannis Antetokounmpo slides in at the power forward position. Bam Adebayo stands in the pivot as the center. If Miami can land James with low-cost free agent shooters and bench depth, Miami morphs into a legitimate Eastern Conference threat.
